Cool as a Cucumber

It’s true, you know. Cucumbers really are cool. Up to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding air, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Though I’m not sure why they care…

Anyway, it’s hot and cucumbers are cool and plentiful so it seems like a good time to talk about cool ways to enjoy them. Cool and easy ways to enjoy them. Starting with CUCUMBER WATER. With cucumber, lemon, mint and fresh ginger (or any combination of these), it’s a refreshing way to get in the extra water you need on these hot summer days. And ladies, it helps beat the summertime bloat,too!

Gazpacho has been described as a salad that you drink and frequently has tomatoes, onion, and other vegetables in addition to cucumbers. CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP WITH MINT & YOGURT is less complicated than a lot of recipes. In fact, the blog where I found the recipe says you can make it in less than three minutes! While I don’t know about that, it is quick and easy. Just be sure to include at least an hour for the soup to chill. I’ve seen recipes that say to serve it in a bowl sitting inside a bowl of ice to be sure that it is ice cold when eaten. You don’t need to go that far. Just chill it well and serve it as soon as it comes out of the fridge.

Pickle making is usually a long, involved process. Trust Rachael Ray to come up with QUICK PICKLES that can be made in 15 minutes! They’re dills, with just a hint of sweetness.

And finally, CUCUMBER ICE POPS, with lime and chili. I’m giving you the original recipe, but the site where I found the recipe suggests cutting back either on the amount of chili or the type. I agree.

Stay cool!

Mary Anne